Martin Elmiger to lead Team Ag2r-la-Mondiale at the Santos Tour Down Under 2012
Swiss professional cyclist, Martin Elmiger, will lead Team Ag2r-la-Mondiale at the Santos Tour Down Under. The team has announced its final squad for the event, scheduled from January 17-22, 2012.
The French team is one of the most successful teams at the Australian race throughout its history. It has secured the overall wins for a maximum number of four times, during 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2007.
The team’s final roster for Santos Tour Down Under 2012 includes Manuel Belletti, Kristof Goddaert, Blel Kadri, Martin Elmiger, Romain Lemarchand, Matteo Montaguti and Boris Shpilevskiy.
Gilles Maignan won the race in the year 2000, whereas Mikel Astaloza secured the victory in 2003. Simon Gerrans was successful in 2006 and Martin Elmiger bagged the Tour Down Under in 2007.
Team Manager Laurent Biondi is ambitious that his team will live up to the expectations at Adelaide, Australia, this year as well.
He briefed that Team Ag2r is fully equipped with cyclists from all departments. The team comprises a perfect blend of climbers, sprinters and all-rounder’s to ensure a perfect start of the coming season.
The management’s decision of giving the leadership responsibilities to Elmiger is commendable as the cyclist won the competition in 2007. Biondi cited, "Our first objective will be to win a stage. Moreover, we will try to put a rider in the top 10”.
He continued, “We know it will be difficult because the level of competition at the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under promises to be high with very good riders on the start list".
Manuel Belletti is another option since the Italian cyclist had a wonderful 2011 season. He secured stage wins on several occasions.
Manuel’s performance at the Tour of Turkey and Brixia Tour was remarkable but even his top form could not match the likes of Sacha Modolo and he was given rest in the later part of the season.
Biondi further added, "We can also count on Blel Kadri who took eighth place overall in 2011 and who enjoys this race. The course suits him and he can succeed in this race, as will the rest of the team".
Kadri is expecting to produce some good results at the UCI inaugural event. He stated that his performance totally depends on the form which will be revealed at the race, as it is the first race of the new season.
Tour Down Under is the opening event of the UCI calendar. Positive performances at the Tour can definitely result in a good season for all the teams, which is why most of the sides will ride with their best squads at the race.
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